The Crows will open next year’s Gather Round with a blockbuster clash against reigning premiers Brisbane at Adelaide Oval, while the Power will wrap up the popular festival of footy by playing the Western Bulldogs at the same venue.
The fixture for the 2027 Gather Round has been released, with all nine matches to be played across four days from Thursday 8 April to Sunday 11 April, with the inaugural Players Parade to take place on the Friday.
The event will form Round 4 of the AFL Premiership Season and coincide with school holidays across the country, with matches again played at Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Barossa Park.
The fixture will feature three rematches of the 2026 AFL Finals Series and Zac Butters in his first clash against old club Port Adelaide, as well as the first Players Parade, which will bring together players from all 18 clubs.
Four matches will be played on Saturday, with Carlton facing Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in another finals rematch, Gold Coast SUNS taking on the GWS Giants at Barossa Park, Richmond playing West Coast Eagles at Norwood Oval, before Fremantle meet Hawthorn in a Qualifying Final rematch at Adelaide Oval.
Sunday will feature Essendon up against North Melbourne at Norwood Oval and Geelong taking on St Kilda at Barossa Park, before the highly anticipated Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs clash at Adelaide Oval.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the fixture gave supporters nine exciting match-ups to look forward to across four days.
"From Thursday night at Adelaide Oval through to Sunday, there will be footy across Adelaide, Norwood and the Barossa, giving fans the chance to experience matches and everything South Australia has to offer,” Mr Dillon said.
A record 270,018 fans attended the 2026 Gather Round with Adelaide Airport recording its busiest ever week in the state’s history.
Last year’s record breaking event generated $115 million for the South Australia’s economy, taking the total benefit to the state to more than $400 million in economic contribution since its inception in 2023.
Tickets for Gather Round go on sale for Club and AFL members on Wednesday 9 December from 10am and to the general public on Thursday 10 December from 3pm.
For more details and ticketing information visit the AFL website (external site).
